• We recognize vacant spaces as untapped opportunities for innovation and community engagement. By infusing them with temporary yet impactful activity, we aim to rejuvenate not only the physical urban landscape but also the spirit of the community.

  • Our project takes into account Columbia's unique character, history, and entrepreneurial spirit. We seek to celebrate local diversity and creativity, contributing to the rich cultural fabric of our city.

  • #MadeWithColaLove is more than a project; it's a movement. Join us in reshaping Columbia's urban core, driving positive change for generations.

The Project

The Made With Cola Love project aims to breathe new life into downtown Columbia by repurposing vacant commercial real-estate spaces for a dynamic series of small business popups. In addition to revitalizing these spaces, the project will be supported by the Made With Cola Love incubator program, providing a comprehensive ecosystem of support services to the participating businesses.

We are seeking Activators to bring our project to life!

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU AS ACTIVATORS!

As a Made With Cola Love Activator, you will receive:

- 💰 A grant of $3,000 to cover upfit costs, insurance, and related expenses.

Each of our grant recipients receives a $3000 grant towards refining their business model and operation during a 30 day pop in a vacant space.

- 🏠 A space for one month at no cost to you.

We work with local real estate owners, brokers, and management teams to pair our grantees and offer the real estate partners grant monies to cover rent, utilities, and upfit needs for that same 30 day period. 

- 🎉 Super fun programming based on your individual needs.

The Made With Cola Love incubator program will offer vital support services that foster the growth and sustainability of the participating businesses. The grantee peer group connects regularly to share their journeys and receive technical assistance from local business leaders and experienced entrepreneurs to learn and enhance their concepts with real-time support. This holistic approach ensures that the impact of the project extends beyond the duration of the popups, nurturing a lasting legacy of entrepreneurship and community empowerment.

Our goal is to give emerging entrepreneurial concepts experiential learning in both a front-facing and ongoing way to refine their business model, get more public awareness of their concepts, all while activating vacant real estate offerings within the city!